Singapore – Over the past several years, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP) has made a number of investments to expand its presence across the region. As the company continues to chart its course for the future, DNAP’s president and managing director Arjan Hoekstra has resigned due to a divergence of views about the strategic plan for the region. During his tenure, Arjan oversaw several key initiatives including the acquisitions of Food TV and Living Channel in New Zealand, and the launch of four 24-hour digital channels through joint-venture partner, Wasu, in China.

“Asia-Pacific is a key growth area for Discovery and we want to increase and accelerate our investment in the region. We thank Arjan for his contributions and wish him the very best in his future endeavours,” said JB Perrette, president of Discovery Networks International.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Discovery and I am now looking forward to new challenges ahead. I wish Discovery every success going forward,” said Hoekstra.

An external search for a new president and managing director will begin immediately. In the interim, Henry Martinez, president and managing director of Discovery Networks Latin America/U.S. Hispanic will be deployed to Singapore to oversee the DNAP business beginning March 2.

“Henry’s 20-year tenure with Discovery and his tremendous success in building our business across Latin America will provide strong interim leadership,” said Perrette.

Martinez, supported by DNAP’s regional heads, will lead overall strategies to grow audience share and business, drive content, and further establish the company’s portfolio and profile in the region.